Frozen Shoulder!

In the eternal words of House Stark, Winter is coming…
So we thought what a great time to discuss FROZEN SHOULDER!

The cause of frozen shoulder (or adhesive capsulitis) is still largely unknown. However, it has been noted to occur more commonly in people with previous shoulder injury or recovering from surgeries such as a mastectomy in which the patient must stay relatively immobile through the upper torso.

Like all synovial joints in the body, the shoulder joint has a joint capsule. A joint capsule is just a couple of layers of membranous material holding the synovial fluid (which allows the joint to remain lubricated) inside. The capsule is then covered in ligaments and muscles.

Frozen shoulder does resolve on its own, however on average this can take 2 and a half years. Manipulative therapies have been shown in some cases to provide pain relief and improve mobility. Supportive taping can disperse the forces placed on the shoulder and help with day-to-day activities. Another useful treatment is to gently release the rotator cuff muscles to allow them to take more of the load so that the capsular membrane isn’t irritated as much. Manipulative treatment on the cervical (neck) region can also improve shoulder function.

Keep rugged up this Winter and remember that staying active is always better than immobilisation.